Ramesh Album Release at Holy Mountain
Friday night, former Voxtrot member Ramesh celebrated the Austin Town Hall Records-issued vinyl release of his album The King with a show at Holy Mountain. In addition to Ramesh, the bill included garage pop trio…
Hikes EP Release at Cheer Up Charlies: Live Review
After seeing Hikes perform a few times, I’m convinced they’re one of Austin’s most exciting bands. The young outfit of math rock musicians are closely affiliated with rising DIY collective Raw Paw, who sponsored the…
Thus Owls Nominated for Polaris Prize, Support Antlers in Austin
Montreal’s Thus Owls are having quite a summer. The band has received praise from an array of press outlets surrounding their new album Turning Rocks, available now on Secret City Records, and recent performances at…
Electric Six & Yip Deceiver at Stubb’s Tonight
Austin is one of the rare cities in America where any given night has too many great options for live music. We love it, and we hate it. If you aren’t going to the…
Gramercy Arms Release Video for Indie Pop Track “Always In Love”
New York-based indie pop collective Gramercy Arms have released an upbeat black-and-white video for their song “Always In Love,” the single from their upcoming album Seasons of Love, set for a July 21st release…
Voxtrot’s Ramesh Album Release Show Tonight at Holy Mountain
Thanks to our friends at Austin Town Hall Records, Ramesh’s first solo album The King, is being released on vinyl. A celebration of that occasion, sponsored by blog buddies Austin Town Hall and Side…
Hikes Celebrates New EP with Epic Cheer Up Charlies Show
Hikes is one of Austin’s most exciting young bands. Their distinct blend of folk, math rock, and whimsical joy places them in a category of their own in this city’s robust music scene. As…
See Colorful New Video from Wild Beasts
Wild Beasts’ album Present Tense is out now on Domino Records and available for purchase. Today the band shared a colorful new video directed by Kate Moross in support of that album. The video…
Kids Battle Monsters in Mother Falcon’s New Video for “Marigold”
Orchestral collective Mother Falcon are out on tour, they just released their first ever vinyl, a 7″ on Punctum Records, and now they’ve shared a new music video for “Marigold,” from their most…
Johan Hedberg Shares Swedish Pop Track “Kickar Grus”
Although Belle & Sebastian are decidedly the most known and celebrated indie pop or twee band to come out of Europe, those countries, particularly in Scandinavia, have a long history of these musical…
Wand Shares Noisy Psych Track “Flying Golem”
On August 27th, Wand will release of Ganglion Reef on Drag City’s sister imprint GOD?, joining bands such as Jack Name and White Fence. This week, Wand shared “Flying Golem,” the first single from the upcoming…
Party Plants Release Video for “Great Interplanetary Romance”
Austin-based lo-fi quirk pop band Party Plants have released a DIY video for their song “Great Interplanetary Romance.” I’ve written before about how the band reminds me of one of my favorites, Beat…
RF Shannon / Jess Williamson Split Out Today, Release Show Saturday at Cheer Up Charlies
We’ve already told you how excited we are for RF Shannon & Jess Williamson’s split 7″, out today on Punctum Records. Both artists will celebrate the release with a show on Saturday at…
Hear New Löwin Track “Lobo”
Löwin’s new song “Lobo” showcases everything that has always drawn me to Sara Houser’s work. Front and center in the mix are Houser’s astounding vocals, and her lyricism takes center stage. The song…
Bleached Shares “For the Feel” From Upcoming 7″ on Dead Oceans
It’s summertime, and no one makes a better soundtrack for the season than Bleached. This is an impromptu road trip across the American West with only a backpack and a pocket full of…
Fun Fun Fun Fest Reveals Daily Lineups, 1-Day Passes On Sale Now
I have no idea what human powers of decision would allow an individual to choose between these three days of fest. The lineup is so killer for every day. I suppose I could…
Mutual Benefit Announces Cowboy’s Prayer EP Reissue, Extensive Tour
Mutual Benefit’s exquisite, multi-textured pop has impressed me as much or more than anyone in the past couple of years with 2013’s Love’s Crushing Diamond. Today the group announced that Other Music will re-release their 2011…
Pillar Point on Tour Now, Will Support of Montreal on Fall Dates
Come October, labelmates Pillar Point and of Montreal will head out on a North American tour together. Preceding that fall engagement, many cities across the country will have an opportunity to see Pillar Point…
Generate Your Own Unique Video for Isaac Delusion’s “Pandora’s Box”
French electronic pop group Isaac Delusion will release a new self-titled album via Cracki Records later this year in the U.S., while the album is already out in Europe and available on French iTunes. The…
Castanets Return with Excellent New Song, “Out For The West”
The early 200os rise of indie folk shaped what music I fell in love with during my formative years of discovering independent music. Among those artists was Raymond Raposa’s project Castanets. I listened to…
Spoon Shares “Rent I Pay” From Upcoming LP They Want My Soul
I’ve been meaning to post the new Spoon all week. Although it’s unlikely, if you somehow managed to miss it all week, you’re welcome! If you’ve seen it slathered everywhere, as I have,…
El Campo Celebrates New 7″ Tonight at Cheer Up Charlies
Rollicking folk has increased in popularity drastically over the last decade. Many bands do it, but El Campo is among the best. The group channels the energy of early Okkervil River and the melodies…
Annie Street Arts Collective Plans July Residency at Spiderhouse
Devoted fans of Austin’s DIY and folk communities recently lamented the end of Annie Street Arts collective, who had to make the move from the space where they’ve hosted countless DIY shows due…
Cleanup & Chipper Jones at Cheer Up Charlie’s: Review & Photos
Earlier this week, instrumentally-focused math rock bands Chipper Jones and Cleanup played at Cheer Up Charlie’s. Both bands are part of a current trend that’s seeing a revival of styles of indie rock…
33 1/3 Series Announce 14 New Titles
If you’ve ever perused the endcaps at a local, independent record or book store, it’s likely you’ve seen the pocket-sized book series 33 1/3. Each of the volumes in the series focuses on a…
Cinema East Set for Summer Film Series
With Austin tastemaker Maggie Lea in the curatorial role, Cinema East is set for an amazing summer film series. Now in its fourth year of existence, the program continues to increase its reach…
Bishop Allen Shares New Video for “Start Again”
We previously brought you the news that New York indie pop band Bishop Allen has announced a long awaited full-length album, Lights Out, set for an August 19th release date via Dead Oceans. Frontman…
Watch Swedish Pop Band JJ’s Emotionally Arresting Video for “All White Everything”
Swedish pop outfit JJ will release their new LP, V, on August 19th via Secretly Canadian. Today, the label shared from that record, the debut video for “All White Everything.” Vocally driven and dynamic,…
Kanye West, Flaming Lips, & Extreme Sports at X-Games Austin
In its 20th year of existence and first of four years in Austin, the summer X-Games, hosted last weekend at Circuit of the Americas, triumphed as a diverse and rare weekend of entertainment….
Bear In Heaven Shares “Time Between,” Announces New LP on Dead Oceans
Bear In Heaven’s new single “Time Between” possesses undeniable grooves. The song’s buzzing synths and relentless snare provide the backbone for Jon Philpot’s reverb-tinged vocals as well as wonderfully nuanced bass and guitar…
Hear an Unreleased Extra Track from Abram Shook’s Sun Marquee
We love Austin musician Abram Shook’s album Sun Marquee, which dropped early this year on Western Vinyl. Shook, one of Austin’s most lauded bassists, is also a member of psych pop trio Feverbones. Sun Marquee came…
New Track: The Rosebuds – “In My Teeth”
The Rosebuds have announced the followup to their last release of original material, the Christmas themed album Christmas Tree Island. Western Vinyl will release Sand + Silence on August 5th. The new track features mellow…
We Went to X-Games Austin and Had a Blast
After three hot, sweaty, fun-filled days out at Circuit of the America’s for the first installment of what will be at least four years of summer X-Games in Austin, TX, we’re swimming in content….
Hear Local Natives Discuss Their Sound in New Video
Amplifier and audio equipment company McIntosh just released a new video in their “Behind the Sound” series. Past episodes have featured artists such as Deltron 3030, White Denim, and Washed Out. The most…
Hear New Music from Southern Boutique (Members of Tiger Waves)
I’ve been sitting on this news a while, as the band themselves weren’t totally sure what would happen to Tiger Waves. After all, the group managed to work their way into a great…
Clouder Shares New Video for “All The Royal Years Are Gone”
Austin-based garage and punk rock label Fleeting Youth has been incredibly active in their short existence, working not only with bands from this city but also many others across the country. This week,…
Photo Gallery: Our Best Photos from FPSF 2014
We’re proud to present a gallery of our best photographs from this year’s FPSF 2014. All photos below © Bryan Parker & Pop Press International except photos of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic…
FPSF Day 2 Recap Featuring Sylvan Esso, Tune-Yards, and Lauryn Hill
The second day of FPSF 2014 dawned with less chance of rain but warmer temperatures. Often, I find the most rewarding festival experiences happen early in the day. The crowds are thinner, the…
FPSF Day 1 Recap Featuring Childish Gambino, Vampire Weekend, and Rain
Considering that all of Eleanor Tinsley Park was evacuated around 2:00 PM preceding some heavy rain in Houston’s downtown area, the first day of FPSF 2014 still proved enjoyable, boasting many outstanding performances….
Tom Brosseau at the Stateside Theater: Live Review
Tom Brosseau is an authentic folk troubadour. Austin’s Stateside Theater was something of a time machine on Wednesday night, and if you were inside, Brosseau served as your captain, transporting you to an…
10 Must See Bands at FPSF 2014
I love FPSF. Every year, I get a little flack from my friends who insist it’s just gotta be too hot for a Houston festival in June. With the air-conditioned tents, I always…
True Sincerity Release Party: Thoughts & Photos
I’ve been careful not to slather Pop Press International with plugs for True Sincerity, even though both are my creations. However, one of the reasons I started Pop Press International was to be…
Bishop Allen Announces New Album, Shares “Start Again”
It has been too long since we heard from Bishop Allen. Or more accurately, we’ve been hearing from them, but perhaps you didn’t know it. The band has been interacting with various artistic…
Morrissey at Austin Music Hall: Review & Photos
Full disclosure right up front: granted with only a photo pass and not a review ticket, I saw Morrissey perform exactly three songs between 9:01 PM and 9:14 PM Saturday night at Austin Music Hall….
Photos and Thoughts on Raw Paw’s Dreamz Release Party
On Saturday, music and arts collective Raw Paw flooded Empire Control Room with a mass of devotees in celebration of the release of their fifth literary publication, this installment entitled Dreamz. The title…
Raw Paw Celebrates Dreamz Zine Release Saturday at Empire Control Room
Local arts and music collective Raw Paw will celebrate the release of their new Dreamz zine at Empire Control Room Saturday night, May 24th. The collective calls the zine a “true time capsule of…
Living Room Live at W Hotel Features Royal Forest and Orthy This Sunday
We’ll send you off into the weekend by recommending a plan for your Sunday night. With a Memorial Day holiday the following day, you’ll be able to party Sunday night and still sleep in…
Jail Weddings Release New Video “Summer Fades”
Jail Weddings released their most recent album Meltdown — A Declaration of Unpopular Emotion on vinyl via Neurotic Yell and on cassette through Burger Records last year. Now, to accompany their upcoming tour, the band has shared a new video…
Loamlands Share “Another Reason” Ahead of New EP
June 10th will bring the release of Loamlands new EP Some Kind of Light via Trekky Records. Today, the band shared “Another Reason,” a track from that forthcoming effort. Gently distorted guitar rings…
Bryan C. Parker to Pen 33 1/3 Volume on Beat Happening’s Debut Album
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be writing a volume for the 33 1/3 series on Beat Happening’s eponymous debut album on K Records. For now, there’s not a ton more to say…
Indie Pop Band Tangerine Releases “Nothing Better” Video
Following the release of new song “Nothing Better” and b-side “Northern Line” via Fin Records, indie pop band Tangerine has shared a video. Directed by Jade Justad, the video for “Nothing Better” features…
Morrissey Plays Austin Music Hall Saturday
Some of your Morrissey fans have been waiting for this day for a long time, seeing as Morrissey’s original appearance at Austin Music Hall was postponed many months ago. Now, the crooner returns…
Watch Amazing Snakeheads’ Raw New Video “Nighttime”
Elements of the occult must be swimming in the deep pools of our collective consciousness. Lately, they’re bubbling to the top. Similar to the motifs in HBO’s triumphant series True Detective, The Amazing Snakeheads’…
Hear Hiss Golden Messenger’s “Brother, Do You Know the Road?”
Although this track dropped last week, I haven’t seen it posted on nearly enough outlets. Hiss Golden Messenger’s “Brother, Do You Know the Road?” is a stand-alone single out now and available on…
Shivery Shakes Tour Kickoff Show Tonight at Mohawk
I raved about Shivery Shakes the last time I saw them live. And that’s saying something, since I’ve seen the band more than a few times. Shivery Shakes are one of Austin’s best…
Harvest Records Announces Killer Lineup for 10th Anniversary
Harvest Records, the Ashville, NC based record store as opposed to the label home of Morrissey and Glass Animals, will celebrate 10 years of existence this summer. For a record store in an off-the-beaten-path…
Hear a Track from Marcus Rubio’s New Album Out Now
Marcus Rubio is a guy who’s been around Texas over the years and is currently wrapping up a stint in L.A., soon heading back to Austin. Yesterday, Rubio released Land of Disenfranchisement, out digitally…
Dana Falconberry, RF Shannon, & Devon Sproule at Stubb’s: Live Review
I’ve seen Dana Falconberry dozens of times, and sung her praises just as many. However, I never get tired of watching her perform her haunting and gorgeous, forward-thinking folk music live. She and her band…
101X Sponsors A. Sinclair & Otis the Destroyer Dual Release Show at Mohawk
This show promises to be as epic as the headline. Both A. Sinclair (formerly Frank Smith) and Otis the Destroyer can kick out muscular indie rock jams, and both bands will celebrate the…
Fun Fun Fun Fest Releases Outstanding 2014 Lineup
Fun Fun Fun Fest always restores my faith in humanity. Friends are constantly telling me that in today’s culture, organizations have two linked goals: to become as large as possible and to rake…
Mutual Benefit Shares New Video, Announces Tour Dates
Mutual Benefit has debuted a new video for their song “‘Let’s Play’ / Statue of a Man” to accompany the announcement of a slew of new dates being added to their current tour. The video…
Stunt Rock Screening & Fun Fun Fun Fest Announcement Tonight
Tonight, Fun Fun Fun Fest will host a screening of 1980 cult film Stunt Rock at Austin’s Starlite Drive-In Theater that will be accompanied by a special announcement. Last year, FFF Fest leaked much…
Help Palaxy Tracks Release Their New Album
Brandon Durham has been a part of the independent music community for more than a decade, playing with his band Palaxy Tracks and serving as a member of celebrated band The Octopus Project….
New Track: Balue – “Charming Flow”
Fleeting Youth Records is a young label from Austin, TX working with some exciting new garage and indie rock acts. On June 24th, the label will release Quiet Dreamer, a cassette by New Mexico…
Japanese Psych Rock Band Boris Shares Video for “Vanilla”
Good news for all you psych-metal fans, Japanese band Boris has released a new video for the track “Vanilla” ahead of their new album Noise, due out June 17th in the U.S. via Sargeant…
Walker Lukens to Pen Advice Column for Pop Press International
Thinking about a career change? Relationship woes? Can’t decide whether to do forks and spoons or just go with sporks for your dinner party? Worry no longer. We’re excited to announce that songwriter…
Austin Cassette Fest Happens Tomorrow
As independent music’s interest in tangible products and analog formats has grown, so has the number of tape labels. Once relegated to the late eighties and early nineties, tape labels have sprung up…
Album Review: Protomartyr – Under Color of Official Right
Moving between new wave and post punk, Protomartyr’s newest effort Under Color of Official Right consists of propulsive percussion, catchy guitars, and detached coolness. The group has managed to take all the best tendencies of New Order and Gang…
Album Review: Sylvan Esso – Sylvan Esso
Over the last year or so albums like Taken By Trees’ Other Worlds and Wild Belle’s Isles have bridged the gap between electronic sounds and traditional rhythmic sensibilities by emphasizing beats and vocals while employing contemporary production. Duo…
FYF Fest Releases Schedule featuring The Strokes & Phoenix
It feels increasingly like the appeal of the mega festival is waning and the popularity of the medium to micro-fest is on the rise. Festivals like Fun Fun Fun Fest, Riot Fest, and…
Hear A Lo-Fi Country Ballad from Austin Leonard Jones
Los Angeles-based songwriter Austin Leonard Jones hails from Texas, and his music serves as evidence that his heart never really left. The songs recall mellow Byrds material as they drift by like some…
Punctum Records to Release Jess Williamson, RF Shannon Split 7″
I’m not sure a week can go by without us writing about Punctum Records. The label continues to be Austin’s most active label despite their youth. With some insider knowledge of their upcoming…
Hear a New Track from Poliça’s Upcoming Deluxe Edition of Shulamith
Low, buzzing synths stutter across the sonic landscape of Poliça’s new song “Raw Exit,” a track that will be featured on an upcoming deluxe edition of the band’s most recent album Shulamith. In total,…
Show Preview: Dana Falconberry’s Homecoming with RF Shannon & Devon Sproule
In two days, Dana Falconberry returns from Austin and will celebrate with a show at Stubb’s on their indoor stage. The bill also features dark folk act RF Shannon and esteemed songwriter Devon…
MARYANN Shares New Video for “Coming Home to Newt”
Austin folk-pop band MARYANN has returned from a recent tour in support of their newest album Wylie and have shared a video for their song “Coming Home to Newt.” The track features upbeat rhythms…
Kishi Bashi Builds a Beautiful Blanket Fort at Mohawk: Live Review
Despite little familiarity with Kishi Bashi, a few songs and a highly enthusiastic recommendation from a fellow music aficionado were more than enough to coax me out last Friday night to check out…
Jordan Moser Signs to Punctum Records, Plans Album Release Show
Punctum Records has been a busy label since its inception. We’ve written about the young Austin/Brooklyn based imprint several times in relationship to their releasing of material by Shivery Shakes, RF Shannon, and…
Win Tickets to Kairos’ EP Release Show at The Crocodile + Vinyl and a T-Shirt
We’ve been completely taken with Lena Simon’s project Kairos. If her face looks familiar to you, it may be because she plays in rising surf-rock band La Luz. She’s an excellent bassist, but…
The Golden Dawn Arkestra Arrives at Cheer Up Charlies
You were warned. Or at least, the patrons of Cheer Up Charlies were warned. Before taking the stage on Friday night, The Golden Dawn Arkestra paraded the perimeter of Cheer Up Charlies blaring…
Sweet Spirit Headlined Spoon’s Tour Kickoff Show
Last week, Spoon played a surprise tour kickoff show at small East Austin club Hotel Vegas. The headliner for the night was Sweet Spirit. I wrote about Spoon’s show last week and have been…
Psych Fest Superlatives: Our 7 Favorite Moments at Austin Psych Fest
– Austin Psych Fest 2014 completely lived up to all of our expectations. We’ve been pumped about this lineup since last year, and the diverse roster of bands made the weekend unforgettable. Psych…
Tontons Share New Song “Lush” from Shaking Through Session
The newest installment of Shaking Through, a series produced by creative nonprofit organization Weathervane Music, features Houston band The Tontons. If you frequent this site, you undoubtedly know how smitten we are with…
Show Preview: Say Hi, Big Scary, & Borrisokane at Mohawk
If you’re a fan of shadow, buzzing indie pop, Saturday night at Mohawk has several treats in store for you. Somber indie pop project Say Hi, who are out on tour in advance…
Stream: “Around the Town Sounds” Radio Show Featuring Local Austin Bands
A few weeks ago, local lady about town Deidre Gott was kind enough to invite me onto her KOOP radio show to discuss local music, Pop Press International, and True Sincerity. I pretty…
Gallery: Our Best Photos from Austin Psych Fest 2014
All photos © Bryan Parker & Pop Press International; all rights reserved.. Click any image to open in slideshow viewer.
Austin Psych Fest Day 3: Mikal Cronin, The War on Drugs, & Panda Bear
The format for yesterday’s coverage of the 2nd day of Austin Psych Fest went over well. We enjoyed writing it, and it seemed like you enjoyed reading it. Rather than drone on, here’s…
Attendance Records Plans Art Auction, Seeks Sponsors
We’ve partnered with Attendance Records in the past on events and are always moved by their dedication to inspiring young people to pursue their creative voice. The program works in high schools to…
True Sincerity Hosts First Issue Release Show at Cheer Up Charlies
I started Pop Press International to document, support, and dialogue about music in Austin and around the world. In March, I launched True Sincerity for similar reasons, but the project also serves to…
Single Lash Shares Noisy Post Punk Track “No Reaction,” Plays Beerland Friday
Austin-based band Single Lash has shared a track from their forthcoming LP Soft as Glass, just out as of yesterday on Pour Le Corps Records. The song, “No Reaction,” draws from both new wave and…
Austra Shares Title-track From Upcoming EP
Austra has shared the title-track from their forthcoming four-song EP, due out June 17th on Domino Records. Although “Habitat,” like other Austra songs, is built around frontwoman Katie Stelmanis’ dynamic and impressive voice,…
Austin Psych Fest 2014 Day 2: Mirror Travel, Temples, and of Montreal
Saturday was the clear heavyweight in terms of the number of quality bands that played this year’s Austin Psych Fest. Every moment was packed with someone excellent playing. We hustled nonstop to cover…
Spoon’s Surprise Tour Kickoff Show in Austin
Last night felt quintessentially Austin. Last night Spoon played their first show in two years–a surprise event announced a few hours before set time and held at Hotel Vegas, a small club that accommodates only…
Kairos Shares New Distorted Pop Track Aptly Titled “Dirt & Grit”
Although the first cut from Kairos’ eponymous debut EP represented somber, minimal, vocally oriented songwriting, the second single from that release showcases a grittier side of suddenly buzzed-about Seattle musician Lena Simon, who…
Watch: Roger Sellers Performs “Consequential Ending” at Austin Psych Fest
Although his primary set at Austin Psych Fest consisted of a electronic-pop soundscapes and loops, multi-talented musician Roger Sellers hung out with local station KUTX to record an acoustic rendition of his song…
Mirror Travel Might Do A Record with Brian Jonestown Massacre’s Anton Newcombe
At Austin Psych Fest last weekend, at least one other person became as smitten by Mirror Travel’s talent as we’ve been for the past couple of years. That person was Brian Jonestown Massacre’s…
Austin Psych Fest Day 1: Black Lips, Woods, & The Zombies
As in years past, Austin Psych Fest delivered a solid lineup of cohesive music over an ambitious three-day event. While the genre of “psychedelic” music gets stretched somewhat at the festival, incorporating garage…
Five Reasons to Get to Psych Fest Early Today
We hereby decree that Austin, as the Live Music Capital of the World, must uphold the sacredness of the festival by allowing any employee to leave work two to three hours early on any…
Jon Hopkins Shares Stunning New Track “We Disappear”
It seems like Jon Hopkins is always releasing great new music on a Friday, sending us off into our weekends with a healthy dose of beautiful electronic pop. Last time, the song featured…
Donovan Blanc Shares Shimmering Pop Track “Hungry A Long Time”
Earlier in the year, Donovan Blanc signed to esteemed label Captured Tracks. Now, the label has announced that Blanc will release an eponymous full-length album on June 24th and has shared a new…
Psych Fest Preview: Q&A with Roger Sellers
Austin’s own Roger Sellers is one of a few local bands that will perform this year’s annual Austin Psych Fest. I’m always inspired by how Psych Fest reaches out to local artists as…
